“Eat. Drink. The desert is harsh,” he orders gruffly, his eyes flitting over us.
“Thank you,” I murmur.
His eyes briefly meet my own, the intensity in them making my breath catch once more. It’s like he’s running on a totally different level. He barely nods, then leaves through the same door they led Archion through without another word.
“Great,” Nora mutters, lowering herself down onto one of the cushions surrounding the table. “Off to a stellar start.”
I can’t argue with the anxiety in her voice. Our only ally here has been taken into custody. We have no idea what this outpost even looks like. And it isn’t clear that they’ll let us go no matter what the outcome of Archion’s meeting is. These warriors obviously don’t play around with their secrets.
If Archion’s request is rejected, I’m sure that we won’t even learn the reason why. I’m also sure that if they let us go, the door to the tunnel we used to come in here will vanish like it was never there. Though all of this cloak-and-dagger stuff does beg the question—why go to so much trouble hiding if there isn’t something to hide?
I don’t say any of that out loud. It won’t help Nora get through this, so I keep my thoughts to myself. Lowering myself onto the surprisingly fluffy cushion next to Nora I wrap my arm around the dejected woman.
“Eat something. It’ll make you feel better.”
She shakes her head, turning her face away from the table.
“I can’t. It’s too hot—even looking at food is making me nauseous.”
My hand stills for a moment on her back, but then I continue rubbing. It actually isn’t all that hot in here, and the journey through the desert wasn’t that bad. Nora isn’t a particularly delicate person either.
I don’t say anything, but I know in my gut that there aren’t only two of us in this room. She’s pregnant. I have no doubt about it. It’s not my place to say it though, especially under these circumstances. Nora and Archion will figure it out soon enough.
Heck, maybe this kid will come out levitating. So many odd, arcane-tinged events have happened recently that I am fully ready to suspend disbelief. This planet may very well be mystical in nature after all.
“Well, why don’t we think about something else? There’s no point in worrying over something that we can’t change. How are you liking the city?”
Nora seemed happy enough with the Tribe until Archion came along. Then the Tribe elders had an issue with Archion’s refusal to divulge details of his past, specifically information about the Order. Experiencing this place, I can see why he’s such a closed book. Seems like the way to be here. Nora shrugs, taking a deep breath.
“It’s fine,” she murmurs. “I like how much closer the Tribe is though,” she admits. “Everyone in the city is much more scattered, less linked together, you know?”
“I know what you mean,” I agree. “That happens with a larger space, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a community. Especially now with the babies and children—everyone has come together to raise the next generation. It really does take a village. Although, I guess in this case it takes a city.”
Nora chuckles, shaking her head. Taking the sweating pitcher in her hand, she pours some water for herself. I wonder how they have such cold water here? Bringing the cup up to her pale lips, she takes a careful sip. I watch her discreetly, noting her color. If she gets any worse, I might have to say something after all. She sighs, lowering the cup.
“Yeah, I suppose so. At this point, I’m fine with living wherever as long as I’m with Archion.” She looks over at me, her smile wan. “What a sap, huh?”
“No, you just sound like someone who’s found her mate,” I push back. “Look at the bright side here—we don’t have vids anymore or many books to read. Luckily.” I lean toward her, raising an index finger for emphasis. “Our lives aren’t boring, or we’d all be climbing the walls by now.”
That surprises a laugh out of her, color flushing her face. Good.
“Yeah, I guess so. Though sometimes I do look at back on the ridiculously long days on the ship and miss it. Miss the sameness, the monotony. The safety.”
“Sure. But there was no Archion on that ship,” I point out.
“True,” she sighs, shaking her head. “I’m lucky I found him. But it sure does seem like our road is a lot harder than anyone else’s mating has been so far.”
I nod. She’s not wrong about that.
I start to move on to a different subject to distract her when Khal’s face flashes across my mind’s eye. I immediately push it away. I’m here on a diplomatic mission. Stay focused on that.
No matter how hunky I find any of the players.
9
Khal
I stand outside the inner sanctum. Perhaps I should not be here, but that is why I deliberately did not ask Tashak for permission. I have to know what is happening in there, need to know what reception my brother is receiving.
However, hours of waiting later, even my brain it is beginning to shut down from the endless rounds of questioning and I’m not the target.
I can hear every word through the closed door, but even if I was not able to, I would know exactly what was being said at this point. Tashak has droned on for so long, asking the same questions over and over again as if expecting a different answer. Simply listening to the questioning is tiring.
I don’t know how my brother continues to answer so methodically. I shift my feet as I hear Archion reply once more. His voice is calm as he answers the question for what must be the hundredth time, but I know that he worries about the females he brought with him.
Especially his mate, Nora. He must know that they are safe, that I would not allow harm to come to them, but I know that he still wants to be there with them. I can hear it in the slight tinge of impatience that is beginning to enter his voice.
“Why did you break protocols? You and I both know you know them as well as anyone, as well as any Councilor.”
Tashak’s voice is as hard as it was when the interview started. Perhaps even more so. He is clearly not content with the answers he has received thus far. Though I do not know why he believes they will change.
“The circumstances were unusual,” Archion explains once more. “Not only did I find people that we have not encountered before, I found females—surely you can understand why I would stay to gather information.”
Archion’s voice is straining, his calm façade wearing thin.
“Gathering information I understand. However, you have obviously done much more than that,” Tashak’s voice whips out. Archion remains silent, clearly unable to refute that claim. “You should not have engaged with the ones you found,” Tashak continues in that unbending voice. “Outsiders are not welcome in the Order’s territory. And there is very good reason for that. You know this.”
“Again, I understand. But we cannot be so rigid! I understand I broke protocol—”
“I do not think you understand to quite what degree you have broken protocol!” Tashak interrupts, raising his voice in ire. “To what degree you have broken the words that we vow to live by here! And you have still not given me a sufficient answer as to why. Why did you do so? What possible draw could have been so strong that you broke the code of conduct in such a bold and unthinking manner?”
A heavy pause, the silence even louder after the intensity Tashak’s voice. Archion’s response is careful, just as all of his words have been thus far.
“As I have said before, the Zmaj and the humans that I encountered needed help. I drew the Invaders over to their group—it was only right for me to stay and protect them. I understand that I should not have engaged. But I could not stand back and do nothing, watching them fight for their lives when I could help...”
I listen to Archion answer, frowning. There is something not quite right about his answers. I have been thinking about it for a while, but could not quite put my finger on why until now. Rather than direct, to the point, and succinct, his answers are long and
winding. Almost as if he is avoiding some particular point, his words dancing around a secret. It’s not like him.
In fact, it is a very strange thing for my brother to do. He has always been straightforward, known for following every word of protocol, for being a stellar example of an Order warrior. This Archion... I almost do not recognize him.
“...we should at least attempt to have a dialogue with them, talk about the possibility of trading and working together. I would not have risked so much if I did not think these newcomers had much to offer the Order. It does not make any sense to not at least see if we could develop a partnership. A relationship that could be mutually beneficial.”
It seems as though Archion is done answering questions. His words are utterly sincere as he pushes Tashak.
“I see that I have very much underestimated your understanding of what the Order is,” Tashak returns coldly. “The entire point of our existence, our sole purpose, is to protect Tajss, to protect its secrets. That is our number one priority and will remain so no matter what impression you have of these newcomers. Until such time that we can confidently ascertain the true nature and motives of these people, they cannot be welcomed into Order territory. Not if we are to fulfill our first and only real directive.” He sighs and I can imagine him shaking his head in disappointment. “I do not understand why you cannot grasp this simple notion. Why you have let your emotions cloud your judgment in such a severe matter as to bring possible threats to the heart of the Order’s sanctuary.”
“I have explained myself quite thoroughly,” Archion starts, the irritation stronger in his tone now. “But you refuse to listen...”
I wince as the interview quickly becomes heated between the two.
Should I go inside? I want to be there, want to be by Archion’s side to support him. I understand some of the points that he is making even if they do disagree with the protocol. I do not know if I would have made the same decisions, but I do not think that Archion’s intent was to call the Order’s leadership into question. I shift toward the door but stop myself.
I am duty bound not to interfere. This is the Councilor’s purview. It is up to him what happens. My interference will not be looked upon positively. Perhaps if I—
“...if you just open up your mind briefly to the idea that they have something to offer—”
The growl I hear in Archion’s voice stills me. Clear aggression will not be tolerated, especially in this circumstance.
“Enough!” Tashak explodes, interrupting Archion’s continued attempt at persuasion. “I am ordering the females out of our territory! They do not belong here. They should not be here. Perhaps I was wrong about you. Perhaps your judgment can no longer to be trusted. Be that as it may, I still have a responsibility to the Order even if you do not feel the same.”
This is not good. Even after my brief interaction with Archion, I know he will not appreciate the females being kicked out. He will not be separated from them, especially Nora. I hesitate no longer.
Shoving the door open, I step inside, ready to stop Archion from losing his temper and possibly making matters even worse for both himself and for the females. I take in the room quickly, the familiar carving on the walls and the bits and pieces of machinery glowing in corners of the room.
I note the four guards, two by the door that I just burst through, and another two posted at the other door across from me. They are all focused upon Archion until I burst in, but I ignore them in favor of Archion and Tashak.
They do not look away from each other as I hurry in, locked in an intense stare. It’s an odd picture. Archion without his robe, Tashak in the jewel tones of a Councilor. Both a symbol of where they are in that moment. Both of their jaws are clenched, Archion’s fists closed tightly at his sides as he stares at Tashak. The Councilor doesn’t look away when he speaks.
“Khal, take the females back to their transport. You are to watch them until they have left the Order’s territory.”
The words are firm, final. Unshaking.
Archion’s nose flares in response, his jaw clenched so tightly his temples turn white. He turns his gaze on to me, his golden eyes incandescent with emotion. His mate is being told to leave. Tashak wants to separate him from his other half.
It’s unreal. I can’t believe the words. Every Zmaj knows that a mate is for eternity. How could Tashak do this?
I see the same thoughts run across Archion’s face, even though he says nothing, his eyes speaking for him. I do not want to do this. Despite the protocol, it feels wrong. Feels wrong to do to anybody, let alone my brother, my hero. If I don’t do it, Tashak will send someone else to carry the order through.
I don’t trust anyone more than I trust myself with the safety of Archion’s mate. I’m torn between duty, loyalty, and emotion, but I know what must be done. And I must do it for all of our sakes.
Nodding sharply, I turn and walk through the same doors I entered by. I hope my brother can forgive me.
10
Ashlee
We wait for hours.
Eventually Nora starts nibbling on food while we wait, her face pensive. Sighing, I get up from where I’m lying down on the cushions. Nora looks up when I stand.
“What are you doing?” she asks, watching me move toward the door that they led Archion through.
“Just checking,” I murmur, my hand closing over the cool handle of the door.
Maybe there isn’t anyone posted there now. Maybe they’re all busy with Archion. It’s worth a shot anyway. Taking a deep breath, I open the door and step through, figuring I may as well look confident in the hopes of faking my way out.
A Zmaj in sand-colored robes steps in front of me, blocking my path. I let out a silent half breath, my heart jumping in my chest, and look up at his impassive face. He doesn’t look at all impressed with my confidence.
“Okay,” I murmur as he glares at me silently. “I’ll just...”
I gesture toward the open door and back up until I’m through it. He watches me with that same intensity until I close the door on his face.
“Very productive,” Nora mutters from behind me.
I shrug, turning back around as my heart starts to calm.
“At least we know for sure now that we can’t leave.”
That doesn’t sound very comforting. I sit back down next to Nora, sinking back into my thoughts. We ran out of things to say a while back, and Nora doesn’t seem like she wants to enter into more small talk. I understand. That’s her mate out there. And we have no idea what they’re doing with him. So we sit and wait. And wait some more.
I’m starting to wonder if we’re going to have to go to sleep without getting any word back when that same door I tried to go through opens and Archion’s brother walks in.
I quickly rise to my feet, Nora doing the same as he takes both of us in.
“Where is Archion?” Nora demands, craning her head to look behind him.
His lips tighten, but he doesn’t answer Nora’s question.
“I will escort you back to your vehicle,” he says instead.
It isn’t a question.
“What?” I ask, my mind racing.
“You’re kicking us out without Archion? Where is my mate?” Nora steps forward, her voice rising.
I grab ahold of her arm, keeping her back. I don’t want her to get physical. I’m not sure what the reaction will be.
“Let me go!” she orders, trying to twist out of my grip. “Where the hell is Archion? What is going to be done with him? I’m not leaving without him!”
I grab both of Nora’s arms and forcibly turn her toward me, careful to be gentle but firm. It’s a struggle. She isn’t a weak woman.
“Nora!” I say sharply, trying to cut through the hysteria trying to take hold of her. “Nora, calm down. We need to get to the bottom of this. This isn’t helping.”
Nora’s eyes slowly focus on me, her face pale. She clamps her lips shut and nods her head sharply. I don’t fully trust her in th
is moment, so I keep a hold on her and then turn my head to look at Archion’s brother.
“Look, what’s your name? Did I catch it right out there, Khal? You’re his brother, right? And a Zmaj, you all can’t be that different from the ones we know. How could any of you consider separating mates?”
“I am Khal,” he says, standing stiff, his mouth barely opening with the words, but I don’t miss the tension in his shoulders or the way his eyes narrow.
“Can we talk to someone? Whoever’s in charge?” I ask. “You can’t expect Archion’s mate to leave him here.”
He shakes his head. “No, you must leave. If you fight, I will have to force the issue. And I do not want—”
Nora jerks out of my hold. I turn toward her, ready to catch her again if she is going to try to attack, but she doesn’t have any intention of attacking anyone.
Doubling over, she projectile vomits all over the floor, covering the animal skins with the splatter. Silence reigns in the room, punctuated only by Nora’s labored breathing. The Zmaj stops moving toward us, staring at the mess on the floor and then at Nora for a long moment. Ignoring him I rush over to help pull her away from the mess and set her down on a clean cushion. Tears are streaming down her face as she collapses.
“Shhh. Here, have this,” I urge, handing her a cup of water as I rub her back. “You’ll feel better.”
“I’m not going to feel better anytime soon,” she says around her quiet sobs.
I feel my heart crack for her.
“Is she sick?” Khal demands.
I turn to glare at him.
“No, she isn’t sick,” I bite out. “She’s pregnant, you know, with child? God, are all of you so damn blind? And let’s be clear about this, it’s Archion’s child. I know you’ve already figured that out so don’t act like a douche-waffle.”
His eyes widen and his cheeks pale. He stares at Nora, obviously stunned.
“I... will return,” he mutters.
He whirls around and disappears through the door. It’s obvious he’s going to inform whoever is in charge. Great. I think.
Dragon’s Temptation: Red Planet Dragons of Tajss Book Fifteen Page 7